The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing intense criticism for selling a T-shirt that replicates artwork from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, an event notoriously used by Adolf Hitler to promote Nazi Germany's racist and antisemitic ideology. The controversial item, part of the Olympic Heritage Collection, has sold out on the official online shop, sparking widespread backlash for commemorating a dark chapter in history.
Outrage Over Nazi-Era Merchandise
The T-shirt features designs from propaganda used 90 years ago, including a man wearing a laurel crown, the Olympic rings, and the Brandenburg Gate. Introduced as a limited-edition piece, it has drawn sharp condemnation from social media users and politicians alike. Many argue that history should be taught, not merchandised, with one X user stating, "Shocking sell-out—Olympics merch team really thought Nazi-era Berlin art was a good vibe? History lesson needed ASAP." Another on Reddit remarked, "IOC is rotten to the core. Have always been."
Historical Context of the 1936 Olympics
The 1936 Olympics, held three years after Hitler's regime rose to power, are remembered by historians as a propaganda tool for Nazi ideals of racial supremacy and antisemitism. The Nazis blocked German-Jewish athletes from competing and openly referred to Black athletes as "non-humans." German politician Klara Schedlich emphasized this in a statement, accusing the IOC of not reflecting sufficiently on its own history. She noted that without proper context, "the choice of image is problematic and unsuitable for a T-shirt."
IOC's Defence and Response
In response to the criticism, the IOC has defended the shirt, which reproduces the original 1936 poster by German artist Franz Würbel, as part of its Heritage Collection featuring artwork from every Olympic Games. The committee stated to the New York Post, "Of course, we recognize the profound historical context surrounding the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games." They highlighted that the games also included remarkable sporting achievements, such as those by Jesse Owens, an American track-and-field Olympian who won four gold medals and directly challenged Hitler's racist ideology.
Previous Controversies and Ongoing Scrutiny
This is not the first time the Olympics has sparked backlash over references to the 1936 games. In 2020, the IOC posted a Throwback Thursday picture commemorating the controversial year, further fueling debates about sensitivity and historical awareness. The current controversy underscores ongoing concerns about how the IOC handles its legacy, with critics warning that selling such merchandise risks normalizing Nazi propaganda rather than critically acknowledging it.
